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Sohel Taj quits active politics

Staff Correspondent
Tanjim Ahmad Sohel Taj has said he will not remain active in politics but will always be beside the people of his constituency as an ordinary citizen.
“If my country and party need my help any time in the future, I will
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always do my best to deliver my best efforts, always," he toldThe Daily Star yesterday.
A former state minister for home, Sohel Taj said he had quit politics to keep his honour and dignity unharmed. "People will easily understand why I left politics if they put a little effort into assessing my open letter."
Earlier on April 23, Taj wrote an open letter elaborating his background and stance on politics and why he had made the decision to resign as state minister.
"For me, dignity and honour are the first priorities. I have never compromised on these and will never till the very last day of mylife," he added.
Sohel Taj, the only son of the country's first prime minister Tajuddin Ahmad, stepped down as state
minister for home on May 31, 2009 following reported interference in his work. He sent his resignation as a lawmaker on July 23 from the United States. But the Speaker did not accept it on the ground that he had not submitted it in person.
When Sohel Taj met the Speaker at his parliament office, his resignation letter dated April 23 was finally accepted. The speaker, however, wanted him to sign a newresignationletter. Ashe declined to do so, the Speaker accepted the old one, said sources close to SohelTaj.
Acceptance of the resignation has put an end to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's efforts to keep Sohel Taj as a state minister without portfolio as his resignation as an MP disqualifies him for the position according to Article 58(1) (b) of the Constitution.
Sohel Taj met the premier after the Speaker accepted his resignation on Saturday. During Saturday's talks, Hasina reiterated her request to keep him on board in politics, according to Sohel Taj.
In their amicable talks, they discussed various national and international issues.
He wished well for the government in its future direction.
Meanwhile, the Speaker informed the House yesterday that Sohel Taj's constituency had been vacated following his resignation. Under electoral rules, a byelection will have to be held in the constituency within 90 days.
The main opposition BNP has meanwhile distributed sweets over the resignation, while leaders of the ruling Awami League have started lobbying for the